Tadej Perčič

As more public debates rely on statistics about health, migration, education, elections etc., data journalism has become a vital skill. But numbers can mislead just as easily as words. Ethical data journalism requires journalists to go beyond surface-level figures and understand the story behind the dataset.

Young journalists often face pressure to visualize data quickly, without fully grasping its limitations. Where did the numbers come from? Who collected the data, and why? Is the sample size representative? Are there missing or hidden variables? Without careful interpretation, charts and graphs can unintentionally reproduce stereotypes or support misleading narratives.

Visual design also matters. Choices about scale, colors, and comparisons can significantly shape how audiences interpret information. Ethical data journalism demands transparency about methodology, context, and uncertainty, especially when reporting on sensitive topics like crime, health, or inequality.

Ultimately, data journalism is not just about crunching numbers. It is about using evidence responsibly, asking critical questions, and helping the public make sense of the world without distortion. When done well, it strengthens democratic debate and counters misinformation with clarity.